Published on August 30, 2024
Introduction
In a country like India, where family and children are considered the cornerstone of society, infertility is a topic that is often hushed up. However, the ground reality is that infertility rates are rising at an alarming pace across the country. According to various health organizations and IVF specialists, approximately 10% to 15% of married couples in India experience fertility problems. What was once seen as a rare occurrence is now a major public health concern.
Key Causes of Infertility
There are several reasons behind the increasing infertility rates in India, ranging from environmental issues to lifestyle shifts:
1. Late Marriages & Delayed Childbearing: With career priorities taking precedence, many couples are delaying marriage and childbearing. A woman's fertility peaks in her 20s and begins to decline gradually after 30, and more rapidly after 35.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle & Poor Diet: Lack of physical activity, rising obesity levels, consumption of processed foods, and high stress levels significantly impact hormonal balance, affecting both male and female fertility.
3. Environmental Pollution & Toxins: Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, and toxins in everyday life has been linked to declining sperm count in men and ovarian dysfunction in women.
4. Medical Conditions: Rising prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and thyroid disorders among women, and low sperm motility/count in men, are key factors.